
Apple's cheaper iPhone could revert to a plastic casing like the iPhone 3G and 3GS of yesteryear.
Apple’s much rumored lower-cost iPhone could lack a Retina Display as one of the cost-cutting measures according to a new report by RBC Capital Markets analyst Amit Daryanani.
Daryanani’s report comes in direct contrast to reports from the traditionally reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has claimed numerous times the new cheaper iPhone will retain the same 326ppi resolution as other Retina Displays.
Daryanani’s supply chain checks further place the release of such a device in June or July alongside the rumored iPhone 5S.
"Our supply-chain checks indicate that AAPL is working to launch multiple new phones in the June/July time-frame this year. Specifically, AAPL will launch the iPhone 5s and a more affordable but lower-end iPhone at the same time, in either late CYQ2 or early Q3. The low-end iPhone will have the same 4" form factor as the iPhone 5 but will have plastic casing and no retina display. With a lower price-point, AAPL will be able to target a growing and important part of the Smartphone market (sub-$400 price-band)." -- Amit Daryanani
A lower-cost iPhone is likely on the way, but when and in what form is still up in the air. And for those pointing to iPhone 4s available for free with a two-year contract should understand Apple is gearing the cheaper iPhone toward markets where carrier subsidies are uncommon or non-existent.
Sources: Macrumors
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